Immigration Executive Order
On January 27th, 2017, President Trump issued an Executive Order suspending entry into the United States of immigrants and nonimmigrants from seven countries—for the next 90 days. MSU’s President Simon released a statement on behalf of the university, joining with other college and university presidents across the country representing our position on the executive order. I join President Simon in expressing our concerns regarding the “collateral damage caused by this action and calling for a quick end to the order.”
Steven D. Hanson, Associate Provost and Dean for International Studies and Programs, along with other members of an MSU executive team, is monitoring the situation and has already reached out to affected students, faculty and staff with guidance (Executive Orders). The MSU College of Law Immigration Clinic is also posting updated information on the executive orders as they are verified. Because the issues associated with the Executive Order are evolving, we’re asking that students, faculty, and staff with questions or concerns related to this executive order, to please contact the Office of International Students and Scholars.
The next days and weeks require all of us to reach out to those within our campus community directly impacted by the executive order and provide the support and reassurance that they are and remain members of the Spartan community. President Simon eloquently stated that “We must not allow fear to change the nature of who we are.” We are a community that holds as a core value being an inclusive community. It may feel at this moment that our core value is being tested, and yet, this core value should inspire us to be even more vigilant in our responsibility to support one another over the weeks and months to come.
Paulette Granberry Russell
Senior Advisor to the President and Director
Office for Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives